The return of Michael Chopra should add the much-needed bite to Kerala Blasters’ attack as the host takes on Atletico de Kolkata in an Indian Super League football game at the Nehru Stadium here on Friday.
Chopra injured his ankle in a freak accident a day before the Blasters’ away game in Kolkata towards the end of October and missed the team’s last seven games. The good news is that he is fit and raring to go.
“He scored two goals during training this morning and they were very good,” revealed David James, the Blasters head coach and marquee player.
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With just six, the Blasters have scored the least number of goals in the ISL while Kolkata has double that number.
The host will hope that Chopra carries on the same form that he showed during training.
Having won their last game, both teams — placed second and third in the points table — come to Kochi in a positive frame of mind and the Kolkata coach Antonio Lopez Habas touched upon the fact that his team has a better away record than at home.
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“We have come here to win because it’s important that we win here,” said the Spaniard. “We are looking to attack more.”
One can understand the visitor’s hunger, especially after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Kolkata.
It’s a team that has just lost its lead, a position it held for long, in the league to Chennaiyin FC and will be keen to score goals.
Kolkata will be depending on its marquee player Luis Garcia and stars like Jofre Mateu to push the team forward while striker Fikru Lemessa will be keen to score again.
That should bring out the best from the home team’s goalkeeper James.
The former England World Cupper is now the ISL’s best custodian, having moved to the top of the ‘golden glove’ table, and will be eager to stay there.
“The injury list is receding, everybody wants to play tomorrow,” said James.
With a big crowd expected, Iain Hume, who scored against Kolkata, and Penn Orji, who struck the match-winner in the last game, will be keen to produce standout performances.